Christmas Reflections

Matthew's first Christmas 2009 was an exciting one for many reasons. We had a "White Christmas" which is Matthew's 2nd snow to experience. He's been alive for 2 months and has experienced 2 snows in Texas...that's more than some adults. I told David that was Matthew's gift to him as David was VERY excited about the snow. He was like a little boy running around in it and trying to eat it. It was such a joy to experience Christmas with our little guy, even if he didn't know what was going on.

"Man, they put a bow on my head."

David running around in the snow...snowed pretty hard

We spent Christmas Eve with my family and enjoyed an un-traditional lunch of barbecue. David hopes that it becomes the new traditional meal. With my new diet because of Matthew's allergies, this was the best meal to accommodate that...Thanks Mom!! It was cute hearing my mom and dad argue over who gets to hold Matthew next and how long they had been holding him.

Are those clothes for me?!?!?  Thanks Gran.

Pops, I'll rest here, you open all the presents.

We had my brother and sister in law in NY on the webcam when we opened their presents. It was cool having them involved and to see them.

We went to the Christmas Eve service at my parents church, which was really nice. Matthew didn't really want to sit through the whole thing so me and him toured the church and observed the blizzard outside. By the time we left the one hour service, the grass was completely white.

Reflection One: One thing that was special for me this Christmas was the story of Mary in the Christmas story. It seemed so close to home and real to me this year. As we heard the songs of Mary dreaming for her child, swaddling him, wondering what he will be, delivering him, and knowing that Mary, who delivered the King of Kings, probably had some of the same feelings of unknown and excitement that I did. Jesus was born to die for all people. God sacrificed His son in order to give me, and you, freedom and grace. I thought about this the other night as I held Matthew and found myself overwhelmed by the great gift that was born to us on Christmas. I know that I would do anything to protect Matthew and can't dream of being without him. But I am grateful that God met the need that I had for forgiveness.

Christmas morning we had Matthew "open" his gifts. He got a mobile for his crib, book , and toy for his car seat. I'm sure he was appreciative. It was fun being able to do the Santa thing and take time to give gifts to our little one. The best part was the 3 of us sitting on the couch loving on each other as a family. Oh I can already hear my mom's voice..."I don't need any gifts, having my family together is enough." Ha!

The attempt at a family picture

Thanks Mommy and Daddy for all my presents

On Christmas day we hosted David's family at our house, 7 adults and 2 kids. David and his brother Jason went fishing that morning. Let's remember that it snowed the day before so it was about 25 degrees that morning. I waved goodbye to them from inside in the warmth. I think they had some good quality time together and I was grateful they had that time together.

Cousin Maci opening all her gifts

The McKown boys...all 4 of them

Reflection Two: To be honest, I missed my mom on Christmas as I was in the kitchen in the morning preparing for our meal. We always cook together and she taught me everything I know about cooking. I keep a picture in my kitchen of her to look at when I'm hosting or cooking in order to be reminded of our times in the kitchen. And to know that she is proud of me for the host, mom, daughter, wife, and cook I have become. Thanks Mom for giving me the confidence to host and cook for groups.

Matthew did wonderfully throughout both days. He slept well and had a good time playing and seeing different faces. He slept about 7 1/2 hours on Christmas morning because he played so hard on Christmas Eve...that was probably the best Christmas present he gave us. It is good to know that we can take him other places and he does well and also that he is flexible. I know that his comfort is more if me and David are comfortbale and we're working on that...but I think we did a pretty good job during the holidays of still keeping him on somewhat of a routine and letting grandparents spoil him a little during the day.

Christmas 2009 brought snow, new traditions, and our amazing Matthew Ray.

Matthew, Merry Christmas!! You don't know what's going on quite yet about Christmas but you will. This time next year you will be up and around and we will enjoy you being more actively involved in the process. This year you saw snow, you spent time with your families, got to spend good quality time with Daddy on his time off, and made me very aware of how grateful I am for you as you are my Christmas gift every day. We hope you enjoy your gifts. We will look forward to sharing with you the true meaning of Christmas.

I love you and get excited about 2010 as it will hold alot of new things for you!!